Fire Extinguisher

-Dedication: To all the Fire Fighters in NSW... thank you.-

Flames. Any kind.

Easy to exacerbate. Easy to create. 

But hard to tame. 

How do you lessen a flame?

It takes time to quell.

Why? Because fire is powerful.

Angry fire, boiling emotions.

Fire is real, hot, and decimates fast.

How to make still? Still enough to quench?

We'll need resources: patience, time, respect.

A clear head and a calm presence.

Let it still and slowly soften the flame.

It is love.

 Love that gives what is needed.

To save relationships, treasures and life.

The willingness to fight back  the flames.

So thank you to firefights of NSW.

Those who put themselves at risk,

to save others, often strangers.  

Thank you for showing us bravery. 

For your example we can find courage to fight.

To fight flames of anger and powerful emotions. 

To help others fight internal flames.

To say 'hey, let's take a breath together'. 

Because if a fire-fighter can stand up to flames...

Then so must I. 

With you by my side. 

Luke 18: "For nothing is impossible with God"

Peace

Part 1

Dear Peace,
Where did you go?
I searched in vain to find you.
Not in friends, family or anyone I know.

Why don't you stay?
I see a glimpse of you, every now and then.
But you just nod, smile and pass away.

What have we done, that you allude us so?
Surely you will be back again.
For without us wanting you,
willing you and wishing for your presence,
you will desert us.

Oh Lord, help us to desire peace.
Bring Peace to us , as you do in Christ.
Make us like you, willing to forgive and forget.
Help us to remember your ways.
Shape our minds, hearts and actions.
Show us the way to peace.

For there is no one in heaven and earth like you.

Part 2 

1 Corinthians 1: 10-14:

'I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,
a in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree with one another in what you say
and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household
have informed me that there are quarrels among you.
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”;
another, “I follow Apollos”; another,
“I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”


Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Were you baptised in the name of Paul?'

If we divide what will be left of our unity in Christ? 
How can we share words of hope, faith, and love,
if we cannot find peace together?
Why throw away what God freely gave us in the sacrifice of his son?

Let us not tie up each other in knots.
Others will try to do just that every minute, of every day.
Instead let us pray; 'Father lead us to find peace, teach us your ways'.